murphyPropylene Glycol Stearate
AKA: PROPYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE, 1323-39-3, Cerasynt PA, Octadecanoic acid, Monoester with 1, 2-propanediol, FEMA No. 2942, Propylene glycol palmitostearate, FEMA NO. 4208
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from propylene glycol and stearic acid, typically sourced from plant oils or petroleum-based feedstocks. Synthesized through esterification, combining propylene glycol with stearic acid under heat and catalytic conditions.
Stearic acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol
Solubility insoluble in water
Formula
C21H42O3
Mol. Weight
342.60
CAS #
1323-39-3, 142-75-6
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 222 and 684)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 222)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 222 and 684)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 2 irritating / 2 mixed / 5 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 222 and 684)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.01–4%
Rinse-off0.0032–3.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR